Animation might not be real, but the important messages it conveys definitely are. Since 1992, Cartoon Network has been home to hits that have impacted generations of young viewers, teaching lessons of empathy, compassion and understanding toward others.
Here are five times the network exceeded expectations and delivered episodes with powerful, important messages.
Teen Titans, 'Trog' (Season 4, Episode 10)
The episode aired on May 28, 2005, and featured a powerful alien hero named Val-Yor, who quickly revealed a deep-seated hatred for Starfire's race, repeatedly calling her the derogatory term "Troq." Hurt, Starfire struggled to share the meaning of the word and her feelings with the other Titans, almost choosing to leave in silence. However, after saving Val-Yor's life and still receiving no better treatment, she realized that there will always be those who are prejudiced, and only after confiding in her friends and seeing them stand up for her did she understand that they are the people who truly matter.
The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, 'Who Killed Who?' (Season 3, Episode 7)
In the episode that aired on October 1, 2004, it featured Betty White as the voice of Mrs. Doolin, an elderly woman living in a supposedly haunted mansion rumored to be a vengeful, bitter spirit. Grim warned Billy and Irwin about her, but Mandy discovered that Mrs. Doolin is both friendly and clever, having bested Grim in various games, literally "beating" death itself. The episode concluded with Mrs. Doolin and Mandy teaming up with a little "girl power" to prank the boys for their lies.
Steven Universe, 'Reunited' (Season 5, Episode 23)
The July 6, 2018, episode features the wedding of Ruby and Sapphire, two Gems who fuse to become Garnet, the embodiment of their deep, loving relationship. To avoid censorship overseas, the show's creator had Ruby, the more masculine-presenting Gem, wear the wedding dress to prevent male voice dubbing. As the wedding ended with a visible kiss, it stood out as a significant moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in children's programming.
Courage The Cowardly Dog, 'The Mask' (Season 4, Episode 8)
The episode, which aired on October 18, 2002, subtly explored themes of domestic abuse and toxic relationships, centering around two female characters, Kitty and Bunny. Disguised in a mask, Kitty arrived at Courage's house late one night seeking refuge as she prepared to rescue her friend Bunny from her cruel controlling partner, Mad Dog. The episode tackled heavy themes of true friendship and liberation, with Kitty and Bunny’s strong bond, plus a little help from Courage, who empowered them to defeat Mad Dog.
The Powerpuff Girls, 'Equal Fights' (Season 4, Episode 10)
The June 7, 2002, episode featured Femme Fatale, a villain who manipulated the girls with a distorted version of feminism, convincing them to overlook her crimes under the guise of "supporting other women." By the episode's end, the girls learned that progressive ideals could be misused to manipulate trusting people into spreading superficial solidarity.
